Western States 100 Cancelled Because of Raging NorCal Fires

Sure, the Shop to the Top was cancelled last year because of Castle Rock, so we know it can happen, but the scuttling of Western States seems nevertheless unfathomable, even as smoke from the NorCal fires brings haze to the Wood River Valley. It was, of course, the correct call. The unpredictability of wild fires, the huge length of the course, and the spread of competitors just made it a recipe for disaster, and the best thing to do was to wait for next year. Tough love, though, for the 400 athletes who were ready to toe the line, including the Valley's AJW - a consistent top placer who was making a more than realistic run at the Masters record this year.

For some links to blog posts about the Western States cancellation (including AJW's), check out my Run Junkie post (post).

--Hank

Randy Sighting

As I headed down Carbo for my second descent, a stocky bearded man was coming up the trail. I had to slow down and refocus, I wasn't sure I was seeing things correctly (especially since I had just taken a hard fall). It was Randy Geherke! I had been wondering what Randy was up to, especially with Hard Rock not far off. Randy has been training and was out for some miles in some good hot sun. It was good to see Randy, hopefully he will be joining our group runs as the summer continues.

Tread Carefully: Snakes Out in Force

The snakes seem to be out in force in the south Valley now that the weather's finally turned sunny and warm. As usual, Democrat is a hot bed of rattlesnake sitings, with at least one dog on the losing end of a close encounter (Mt. Express story). Even out Quigley Canyon, one SVBR runner saw an intimidating 5 footer casually crossing the dirt road.

Watch your step.

Race Report: 2008 TVR One-Hour Distance Classic

There was a great showing at the middle school track this past Thursday for the yearly running of the Titus Van Rijn Invitational One-hour Distance Classic (see previous post for details). Runners healthy and injured alike took the start at 5:45pm, each waging a personal battle against the gale force north wind down the stretch. Though exact distances are still being gathered, AJW had a stellar performance cranking out approximately 15,700 meters (9.8 miles). Daryl Fauth came in with a very solid 8.5 miles. Hank Dart, Mary Fauth, and Brad Mitchell rounded out the crew who took to the wind-blown oval. Black cherry soda was enjoyed by all afterward.

Row 1 (l to r): Daryl, Brad, AJW pre-race; Brad stretching; The start.
Row 2 (l to r): AJW; Daryl; AJW
Row 3 (l to r): Mary; Hank; Black cherry soda

(If distances are wrong, please let me know)